Murder on Tyneside

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Tuesday 31 May 2011

The Day That Never Was

Today should have been haircut day.  This is the day a friend comes around to our house and cuts my husband's hair.  Okay, I can hear you saying, what is so special about having your hair cut.  Well it is normally a social event because my friend's husband comes here as well.  We all enjoy a drink or three, while putting the world to rights.  Somewhere in between, my husband has his hair cut.  However, today my husband isn't too well, so the day has been cancelled, which is why this is the day that never was.

This means the ironing will get done this afternoon after all.  I had already warned it that it would have to wait until tomorrow, as today was haircut day.  Therefore, it is in for a surprise, when it sees me get the ironing board out.

Haircut day will take place next week.  Watch this space.

Meanwhile, I will be seeing my hairdresser on Thursday.

Cheers,

Sunday 29 May 2011

Not A Thing Going On!

I don't seem to have added anything to my blog this week, but quite truthfully nothing has happened worth mentioning.  Oh yes, I have attacked the Wii a few times, well several times, actually, and I seem to be getting better at various things.  I have also completed another short story, which I will send off to a woman's magazine this coming week.  I have also added some words to my novel, Divorcees.com, but nothing exciting has happened, if you see what I mean.

The mention of my novel has reminded me of a dilemma I am in.  I can't make up my mind how to write/word the title.  Should it be Divorcees.com or would it look better if it read Divorcees dot com?  I have commented on this to a few folks and no one can agree.  Some think I should go with the former, Internet wording, while others say I should spell it out.  Any suggestions from all you folks out there would be appreciated.  When I first decided on the title, which was before I had even thought about what to write, I went for Divorcees.com.  Perhaps I should stick with my gut instinct.

Well it seems I have managed to write a few words about nothing after all.  I seem to be getting good at this, must make it a hobby of mine.

Next Tuesday is haircut day.  Those who read my blog on haircut day the last time, will recall that it is marked in our diaries as a social event, not to be missed.  More on that next week.

Hope your week has been filled with joy.

Cheers!

Thursday 26 May 2011

Something and Nothing!

While I can't think of anything to mention here, I feel a lot has gone on this week.  On the other hand, perhaps my imagination has been running away with me.  It does happen sometimes.  I see myself doing wonderful things, when all the time I am sitting here thinking about the things I could or would like to be doing.

I have continued to work out on the Wii.  In fact I think I am becoming an expert ---- No! perhaps expert is too strong a word. But I am certainly getting the hang of it.  Can't say I have lost any weight, which was the whole purpose of me dedicating an hour of my afternoon to leaping on and off the thing, but I am enjoying the experience, so that must count for something.   However, I am starting to aim straight on the Archery, I am getting to grips with the bubble thing and I am even sorting out the ski jump, so all is not lost.

I am going, while I am still ahead.

Hope you are ahead of whatever you are doing.

Cheers!

Monday 23 May 2011

The Weekend

Yesterday my niece and her boyfriend drove up from the city to see us. It was the first time we had met him and he seems a really nice guy.  We had lunch in a local hotel, which my husband and I enjoy going to, so we were able to relax and have a good natter.  (My cooking is not what it was, so I thought I wouldn't ruin a good day with something inedible)  The time seemed to pass very quickly and it wasn't long before they were back on their way home again. That's the trouble with weekends, as my niece said, they pass too quickly.

Yes, if you are working all through the week, I guess the days you have free do go quickly. I never seemed to have time to all the things I would like to do when I was working.  Now that I am retired, I have all the time in the world to gad around all over the place, but do I really want to dash around any more?

YES! YES! I do, but my body now has limits, despite the Wii telling me that the condition of my body is that of a twenty-three year old.  Perhaps it was referring to my mind!  Come to think of it, that could be the answer, because I do tend to think like a twenty-three year old!  Not always appropriate, but fun, nevertheless.  Who on earth wants to think and feel their real age?  I will leave you with thought!

I hope your weekend was good,

Cheers!

Saturday 21 May 2011

WOW! How about that!

I have simply got to share this piece of news with someone and as I know you can't interrupt, it is going to be you.

Today, I had a session on the Wii and when I had finished doing the various exercises, I took the body test. I did the two tests given, one for the mind and one for the body.  Surprisingly, I did quite well and I was pleased that my balance was improving. 

My balance has been pretty bad of late, but I won't go into that now.  Anyway, the time came for the Wii to work out my body age.  I held my breath until the figure shot up onto the screen.  It showed 23.................. Yes, believe it or not, but my body is in good condition.  Can I add here that it does not mean I am slim or anywhere near being slim.  Nor do I look like a film star. What it means is the condition of my body is that of a 23 year old.  But for heavens sake, get a grip that has got to be good!

Sooooooooo I am going to forget about my groaning hips and my creaking knees and act my Wii plus age.  Watch out folks, because this cute little chick is on the way!  (Not sure where. I haven't figured that out yet!)

Hope your body is in great shape!

Cheers!

Friday 20 May 2011

Ten Pin Bowling and more!

Yesterday afternoon a couple of friends called and we showed them how to play ten pin bowling on the Wii.  After the bowling, we decided to introduce them to the delights of the Slalom, the Ski jump, rolling the bubble along the river, catching fish on an iceberg and finally archery.  All this activity took place in the space of three hours.  When our friends set out to visit, I don't think they expected such an energetic afternoon.

The whole Wii set up is so realistic, we found ourselves leaning back and forth on the sofa, as one person was trying to ski between the flags.  The same with the bubble on the river.  Though it was a matter of keeping the bubble from bursting on the side of the river bank. As for the Ski jump, our friends fell head over heels a couple of times, But I must add, they got up, dusted themselves down and had another crack at it!!  Perhaps it might be best not to mention the archery!!!  Except to say, please stand well back when our friends are taking aim.  Arrows were flying all over the place.  I'm sure some poor guy in the hills must have been scared out of his wits, when arrows started flying in all directions.  We expected some little red faced man rushing towards us with arrows sticking out of his hat!  Even if you were out at sea in a boat, where you might have thought, nothing can reach me here, you would have been wrong, as arrows flew past the target  and disappeared over the clifftop never to be seen again.  Sailors beware as you sail along the north east coastline, especially when our friends are around!!

Nevertheless, I have to say we all had a really good laugh and a good time was had by all.  (I hope my friend still speaks to me when she reads this)  :-)

Nothing much going on today - at least I'm not expecting anything to happen, but the day is young, so I will wait and see. 

Enjoy your day, whatever you decide to do.

Cheers!

Tuesday 17 May 2011

Yesterday

Yesterday, was another lazy day.  However, I did spend fifty minutes on the Wii, though my balance still isn't good.  When it comes to the standing on one leg thing, I simply topple over.  The little guy on there is very patient.  He simply says, you put your foot down there, didn't you?  Or your leg is shaking slightly, even when it is wobbling around as though I am about to take off any minute.  The other afternoon I did the jog and I was knackered.  I only did eight minutes and not the ten I am supposed to do.  I have to say I start off well, but I soon run out of breath.

I also did some washing and then ironed while watching a couple of episodes of The West Wing.  A glass of wine was at hand, as I need some kind of an antidote when ironing.  It seems I am allergic to it.

Did I just say that yesterday was a lazy day, because reading this back it sounds as though plenty went on here.

Tonight we are going to a friend's house for a few drinks and a natter.  I think there will be about eleven of us, so there will be plenty to discuss.  More of that another day.

Hope all is well with you,

Cheers!

Sunday 15 May 2011

Sunday Lunch and all that!

Today we went for lunch with the local MS group.  It was held in a rather nice hotel in Berwick on Tweed.  It was good to meet up with a some friends who we only see very occasionally.  Everyone had a good natter.  Actually, this will be no surprise to those that know me, as they will recall that I can talk alot, but I must have been going some, because I feel a little hoarse at the moment.  The food was good, too and I think everyone enjoyed the day.  It was also the AGM, so we have a new committee in place.  Well, some are new, others are people who have bee doing the job for many years.  It's a big thank you to them, because without them the branch wouldn't function.

Now we are home and relaxing our tummies - and my throat!  I have decided that it needed lubricating, so I poured myself a glass of wine.  I had intended to catch up with my divorcees when I got home, but in the end I thought I had better try to get on with a book I am reviewing.  I found it a little slow at first, but now that I have got into the swing of what is actually going on, I am beginning to enjoy it.

The Melrose Book Festival begins on June 16th and goes on for about four days.  On Sunday 19th June at 1045AM, the Borders Writer's Forum are talking about their latest anthology.  It is called Border Voices on Border Ruins and contains Fiction, non-fiction and poetry.  Some of the writers of the antho will be reading out part of their contribution.  Though, I have a non-fiction piece in the publication, I won't be reading, but I shall be there in the audience.  There are still places available if anyone would like to go along.  The anthology is available on Amazon.

Have a great day!

Cheers!

Saturday 14 May 2011

Bits and Pieces

Sorry I haven't been here for a while, but when I tried to write something the other day, the blog spot was down. Though people could read blogs already up there, the writer's couldn't add anything. Having said that, I haven't really been doing very much to tell you about, though I haven't let that stop me before :-)  Nevertheless, I really do only have bits and pieces to write about today.

I have been working on the Wii Fit Plus, but though I feel better in myself, I can't say I have lost any weight.  However, I will continue with it, as it is really quite fun.  Perhaps that's the problem.  I never thought about it before, but do you lose weight when you are having fun?  Or are you supposed to be grimacing and groaning as you work out?  It's something to think about.

The pills I mentioned in my last blog are a no-no. (Acai Berry)  My doctor has advised me that they wouldn't work well with the medication I am taking.  I did actually add a PS saying this on the day, but when the blog went down the PS went down with it.  Sunk without trace, you might say.  A bit like my plan for losing weight!  Ah well, back to the drawing board on that one.

Popped into town this morning and couldn't believe how many neighbours we met up with.  It was almost a neighbourhood outing.  The sun was shining, so everyone was in good spirits.

Tomorrow we are going out for lunch with the local MS Branch.  It is their AGM, so we are going along to learn who the new committee members are.  MS is only one of the many problems my husband has, which is why he has so many hospital appointments.  That reminds me, his next appointment won't be at the hospital after all, as someone is coming to our local clinic. This means we won't have to camp out in the hospital car park overnight after all.  That can only be good news.

I hope your news is good,

Cheers!

Wednesday 11 May 2011

Parking!

Yesterday we made another trip to the hospital, as my husband had an appointment.  This is turning out to be a regular habit.  We are starting to wonder whether we should investigate the possibility of renting a room in the building.  At least we wouldn't have the problem of parking, which is getting worse every time we go there.  Yesterday we drove around the parking area several times before we found a spot where someone was coming out.  I'm telling you, it was very nearly fisticuffs for that one place, but we got there first and there was no way we were going to give it up.   Anyway, I think we have to go back in a couple of weeks, so perhaps we will set up camp the evening before.

This morning, I went to Holland and Barrett to enquire about some Acai Berry capsules, as I have read somewhere that they help people to lose weight.  However, it seems I need to consult my GP first as I am taking medication, which might not be compatible with the berries.  I have sent an email to my GP, so I will have to wait and see what happens next.

Meanwhile, it seems a while since I stopped by at my divorcees, so I'll wing over and check them out.

I hope you find a good parking spot.

Cheers!

Monday 9 May 2011

Retail Therapy - A Great Day!

Today a friend and I went to Newcastle on the bus! For a start, this meant I had to get up earlier than I normally do and then get my wits about me before my body realised what had happened.  Otherwise it would have gone into a sulk mood and I wouldn't have been ready in time.  My body does this to me now and again, especially if I have to go somewhere early in the day.  It can be so annoying when it does this to me.  Once or twice, I have had to cancel an outing to satisfy it.

However, once I had fooled my system into thinking it was later than it was, everything went according to plan and I had a great day looking around the shops in that wonderful place called Newcastle.  Everyone seems happy in Newcastle.  If the folks there have a multitude of problems at home, they don't let it show; they leave them there and get on with it.  The shop assistants are great, too.  At least they smile at the customers and try to be helpful.  They don't have the attitude that says take it or leave it.

Anyway, I repeat, I had a great day.  In layman's terms that means I spent some money.  I bought myself some Jimmy Choo perfume, rather extravagant, but something I promised myself a while ago.  I also bought a skirt and top, tights, and a rather expensive hair shampoo.  Oh! and I got my husband some socks!

Now I am home and am having a G&T as I type this.  So, all is well with the world.

I hope all is well in your world.

Cheers!!

Sunday 8 May 2011

New Publisher!

Though I did manage about thirty minutes on the Wii during the afternoon, I didn't get a chance to write about it, as I was corresponding via email with a publisher in the USA.  They are going to republish my novel, The Trojan Project.  It will have a whole new edit and cover etc, so it will be around November before it goes to print.  However, I find the whole thing very exciting.  I shall pass on more information about the process as and when it comes in. 

Yesterday morning I went to the coffee morning at our social club.  It was nice meeting people and catching up with all the news.  Not that much has been going on lately, nevertheless, there is always a little snippet here and there that is news to me.

As I said, I had half and hour on the Wii.  I stepped on and off in time with the beat for around twenty minutes, before dodging the flags on the slalom and flying down the ski slope.  I also did some waist and torso exercises. There is so much you can do, it's difficult to know what to do next, but I am enjoying it, so that is the main thing.

Hope you had a good day

Cheers!

Friday 6 May 2011

Jogging Plus

I haven't been anywhere today, so I don't really have any news at all.  However, I had another go with the fitplus thing this afternoon.  I'm telling you all here and now, I am so unfit.  I did a few aerobic step things first and then decided to do the jog.  This was not a good idea.  Next time the jog will come first.  By the time I got around to it, I only managed about seven minutes and not the recommended ten. I sat down and watched as all the other little Wii people passed me.  I have to say, they gave me a few funny looks as they passed by, but I ignored them and thought to myself, 'Just you wait, guys. This cute little chick will be back!'

I will mention briefly that the vote here in Scotland didn't go as I hoped it would.  But I will grit my teeth and get on with it.  Thankfully, the guy I voted for got in, which is good, so I won't say anymore. Except to mention that I am having a glass of wine.  We have yet to see how the AV vote turns out. 

I hope you day turns out exactly as you hoped it would.

Cheers!

Thursday 5 May 2011

Voting Day!

I went to the hairdresser this morning, so I am looking all spruced up again - at least my hair is.  After that we went to the polling station to place our votes for a candidate and a party for the Scottish Parliament.  We also had to vote one way or another on the great debate, the Alternative Vote.  The polling station was quiet when we got there, but I gather there had been a good turnout and the boxes were quite full when we pushed our slips through the small hole at the top.  Whether we will get the person or party we voted for I have no idea.  As for AV, the least said about that the better!! 

I am starting to get the hang of the Wii.  Actually I am enjoying the aerobics etc on there and am trying to do a little more each day.  After all, there is no need to do everything at once.  I want to get fit and live a little longer, not kill myself earlier! This afternoon I am going to try to stay with it for a little longer.  Last night my husband and I spent an hour playing ten pin bowling and then did three holes of golf.  Okay, it's not a lot, but it was an hour we would have spent sitting in the chair watching TV.  Also, it was in addition the time we spent doing the aerobics.

Hope you are all having a good day!

Cheers!

Tuesday 3 May 2011

Wii - Day Two

Had another go at this fitness lark today.  I have to say that it is quite enjoyable using the gadget.  I have learned one thing, though, my balance is bad and I am so very unfit. Oops! That's two things.  Having said that, there are probably a few other things I have found out about myself, but I shall leave them for another day.  Anyway, I had a try on the Ski jump and now know that I would never dare go on a real slope.  I also tried the Slalom and the same thing applies.  I am getting the hang of the step aerobics, but need to learn my left foot from my right foot.  I tend to loose track of which is which when I have to change feet or direction.  Nevertheless, it is good fun and will try to keep up with the little Mii's on there.  They are so much better than I am.

Tomorrow, I will have a go with the Training program.  There is a super little guy on there who is going to lead me gently through the whole thing.  Poor guy hasn't a clue what he has let himself in for.

How is your day going?

Cheers!

Monday 2 May 2011

Our new Wii

Today we bought a Wii.  We got the Sport, Resort Sports and Fit plus.  So we have spent most of the afternoon setting it up.  Anyway the good news is that the whole thing is now up and running.  Naturally we had to try a couple of things to make sure that it was okay.  So now for the bad news.  I have pulled something, which hurts a bit when I move.  Actually it hurts quite a lot.  Okay, I agree this is not good, especially on the first day, but I didn't give up.  No, you would have been proud of me, because I stuck with it and did a few other things before I collapsed onto a chair with a glass of wine.  It's amazing how much a glass of wine helps.

Tomorrow is another day, so watch this space, because this cool little chick is not finished yet.

What more can I say? 

Cheers!

Sunday 1 May 2011

Doing Nothing.

Yesterday was a lazy, sober day!  It was a day when I wanted to do everything and yet on the other hand, I wanted to do nothing.  The do nothing part of me won!  It was a great do nothing sort of day.  Part of the doing nothing was to watch... yes, you've guessed it... an episode of the West Wing.  I also pondered over a couple of crossword puzzles, just to make sure my brain didn't think I had forgotten it.  But apart from that, I did nothing!

Today is working out much the same, though we did pop out for a couple of hours this morning.  I need to get back to my novel and see what has been going on, while I was doing nothing.  The last time I looked, Connie had taken her life into her hands and re-kindled her off-on relationship with her ex-husband, before I was ready for that to happen.  I have to get a grip on that woman, she is starting to drive me nuts. 

I must give my sister a call to see what is going on in her life.  It seems a while since we spoke, though we do text back and forwards very often.  She has met my niece's boyfriend and says he is very nice.  We are going to meet him in about three weeks.

Last night my husband was reading about the Wii on various Websites.  We are thinking about getting one, as we enjoyed the game of Ten Pin Bowling at our friend's house the other evening.  I'll let you know what happens another day.

Enjoy your day, lazy or otherwise

Cheers!